The Pajaro Compass is a group of conservationists, natural resources managers, ranchers, and farmers who are interested in conservation of the Pajaro River Watershed. In San Benito County, the Pajaro River Watershed includes the San Benito River, Tres Pinos Creek, and their tributaries - the areas along Highway 25 and the Panoche Valley.

This group is coordinated by the Resource Conservation District (RCD) of Santa Cruz County, The Nature Conservancy, and the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority. Their goal is to work collaboratively to protect working lands and the natural resources on those lands.

Ranchers and landowners are invited to join them and give input on their draft Compass document. Please come to the meeting on Thursday, February 25 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Hollister Veterans Memorial Building. Make sure to R.S.V.P. to Christa Cassidy at ccassidy@tnc.org. There is no fee to attend.

The meeting will be more geared to agency staff, but they would really like ranchers and farmers to attend as well. It's important to get involved early in the process so you can help guide the outcome and make sure it will benefit you and your operation!

For more information about the Pajaro Compass, please click on the attached file titled, "Pajaro Compass - Background Info."